Charles Norman and Rene Riano Better Than Ever

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 14, 13 October 1933, Page 2

Charles Norman and Rene Riano Better Than Ever

Comme "F{ONI SOIT," the second of the Ernest Rolls revues that are being presented to Wellington theatré-goers at present, delighted a large audience on its opening night. This revue is, if possible, even more entertaining than "Bright Side Up’; it has the same beautiful ballet and show girls, but they seem to dance even better, and the sketches are certainly vastly entértaining. Something which calls for instant commendation is the fact that more use is made of that clever comedienne, Rene Riano, in this show; Miss Riano as the fussy American mother, touring with her family in Paris, or in the screamingly funny sketch, "Oh, Teacher" set the seal on her reputation as far as Wellington is concerned. Mr.

Charles Norman figures in many of the sketches again, and his brand of humour is always popular with the audience, though the prim and proper may sometimes not altogether approve. Probably the funniest sketch of the © evening was "Two Sides of a Wall," in which Mr. Norman was assisted by Miss Jentiie Benson; this sketch was greeted with roars of approval. One of the most spectacular and impressive items ever attempted by a reyue company in New Zealand was "La Reve Passe.’ Mr. Colin Crane, as a dying soldier of Napoleon, is heard singing a song of loyalty to his country and Emperor; in his delirium he pictures the Emperor seated on his throne while a stately minuet is in progress. Mr. Crane’s powerful voice was heard , to excellent advantage in this scena, which was very well rresented. Another sketch somewhat out of the ordinary was "Montmarte," an excellentlyproduced item, showing how, tourists are given their money’s worth by seeing all the novelists’ writings about this quarter come true. The entire revue is excellently mounted and produced, and moves at. ‘commendable speed. '